Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 1917. SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 October 1917, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, OCTOBER Ist, 1917. SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

Of the 177,000 electors of New Zealand who petitioned Parliament in favour of six o'clock closing' of public houses probably not the odd 7000, when signing the petition, had any conception of or. gave; any thought to the difficulties of bringing such a Jaw into operation- After adopting the six o'clock principle the House of ..Representatives, as a result of a debate upon an amendment, practically admitted the difficulty and passed the .Bill on to the Legislative Council on the understanding that the Statutes Revision Committee of that Chamber should wrestle with it and endeavour to amend it wherever amendments were necessary in order to make it a workable measure- It may appear the easiest thing in the world for Parliament to enact that after a given date all licensed hotels shall be closed at six o'clock, but the law cannot be enforced in that bald form without doing a great injustice to many people engaged in the trade- . Once a year licenses to sell alcoholic liquor are granted to applicants on certain conditions, which should be binding on both sidesThe licensee must conduct his house properly "and provide certain accommodation for the public, and he may have his license forfeited if he sells liquor outside of the hours named in his license.

llis license is l'or twelve months and his rent, if lie is not the i owner of the premises, is based upon tliat understanding'. There is one bargain between the licen- J see and the licensing- authorities * and another bargain between the * licensee and the owner of the k premises, the latter being ini- \ pliedly if not specifically contingent on the strict observance of the former. Parliament steps in l and overrides the first bargain by ] enacting that the hours of trading shall be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. instead of from G a-m. to 10 p.m.: i in other words, it reduces the ] hours from 16 to 9, and cuts of! , four hours in .the evening when : •from 40 to 50 per cent, of the bartrade—the most profitable side—• is done- We have heard it argued. that 'because when Parliament enacted the early closing of shops there was no talk of compensation in this case, but the-cases are not on all fours, first of all because shopkeepers do not have to obtain and pay a license to trade and therefore make no bargain with a licensing authority, and secondly because if people cannot "buy their groceries, drapery, boots, meat, etc, after six o'clock they must and will buy them before that hour, whereas if a man cannot get a drink iu the evening he must go without- The House of Representatives evidently saw the point and endeavoured to meet it in some degree by providing for a reduction in 'the rents, so that the licensees and the owners might share the loss. Then another point arose with respect to rates, and a new clause was added providing that where the rates payable are based on the_ annual value of licensed premises, and the rent has been reduced, the occupier shall be entitled io a refund of rates, or to a reduction

if they have not been paid, for. the period from the,date'of the coining- into force of the Act until the date up to which the rates are levied. Thus the municipalities and bodies which derive rates from licensed premises are to share in the loss brought about by the Act. Still another point was mentioned by Mr Hindmarsh, who pointed out that the ground landlord of the two principal hotels in Wellington was the City_..Council, and protested against that body being made to bear any part of the loss. Quite possibly this does not exhaust the difficulties. For instance, there are mortgagees and holders of hills of sale who may have advanced money upon licensed houses and contents in the belief that the bargain made between a licensing authority and_a_lioensee was binding for twelve""months, the period of the license. The point is that the Act will depreciate the value of every licensed house and business, in some napes it is estimated to the extent of one-half, entailing a very heavy loss in the aggregate. There is some force in the argument that as licenses are granted annually there is no obligation on the authorities to renew them, and that those who deal in them directly or indirectly must accept the risk of non-renewal. But when a license is granted for twelve months the licensee is manifestly entitled to demand that provided he fulfils the conditions imposed upon him the privileges lie receives and pays for shall not be curtailed without compensation. The House of Representatives has recognised this and provided that he shall be partly compensated by his landlord and by the local rating authority. But it has left a tangle of difficulty to be dealt with by the Upper House, and it will be interesting to see what amendments are proposed and how they will he received W the House of Representatives. -» ._ -<~

bbb————i— mmm ■ The revenue collected at Greymouth for the month of. September was as follows: Customs £1326 8s 3d, beer duty £155 Is. Just as the pictures were coming out last night smoke was seen issuing from the stables in Mackay Street owned by Mr E. M. Sbeedy. It appears that the straw in a loose-box had caught alight, by what means is inexplicable, and the fire was spreading when discovered. T'-e Brigade speedily were on the scene with "a hose and hydrant, but in the meantime the outbreak had been subdued. Quick dispatch to obstinate colas Is certain with "Nazol." Some drops taken

on lump sugar or inhaled, a little rubbed on the chest—that simple treatment has made thousands well. 1/6 buvs 60 doses. —Advt. The Military Service Board had a lonrr sitting in Greymouth on Saturday last, commencing at 10 a.m. and ending at 8.30 p.m. In all about 120 appeals were dealt with. Five appeals previously adjourned sine die were •■ailed on for review ; there, were 48 appeals on behalf of.men engaged in .the coal mining industry, and eight appeals adjourned from the previous sitting of the Board. All appeals on behalf of employees in the sawmilling industry were adjourned pending the result of an enquiry by the Board into this industry. New range of Japanese Crepes in all shades, greys, browns, pinks, cream, white, navy red, etc., only Is and Is 2d per yard. At Walker's, Boundary Street, Greymouth.-—Advt. A rather unusual incident occurred just prior to the opening of the conference of representatives of the Second Division Leagues at Wellington on Thursday (says the'Post). The President (Mr R. A. Armstrong) said: "Gentlemen, we will now rise and sing the National Anthem." Mr Gilchrist (Gisborne): "Just one moment please gentlemen." The speaker's remarks were interrupted by members commencing to sing the Anthem, winch they did right lustily, and then Mr Gilchrist again rose to his feet. "Mr 1 resident and gentlemen," he said, "I want to know if you know in regard to that song which we have just sung that both the words and the music are German. Loud cries of disapprobation greeted these remarks, .and the President refused to allow Mr Gilchrist to proceed further. As a protection against coughs and colds Nazol has no equal. One dose a day keeps colds away. Can be taken anywhere. Sixty doses I'6.—Advt. "Do as I do, and use the famous 'No Rubbing' Laundry Help on washing days. It saves clothes time and labor. Only Is for seven weekly washings. Local grocers." —Advt.

Yiliil statistics for the Greymbuth district last month (September) were as fol J lows: Births 17, deaths 5, marriages 2. •' The bullock, which is now on view at Mr H. Bruhn's shop in Mawherai Quay, turned the scales to-day at 1074 lbs., not weighing 1250 as erroneously stated on Saturday. Mr Bruhn says that it is prime beef devoid of an undue, quantity of fat. Don't say to your chemist, "I want something for a cold." Ask for "Nazol" —and make sure it i s "Nazol" you get. Look for the name—"Nazol."—Advt. In the report of the Mirfin-Pedrazzi wedding in Saturday's Star it was omitted to state that the lovely bouquet carried by he bride, and exquisitely made of creme sweet peas, asparagus and maidenhair fern, was from the gardens of Mr Fairhall, Marsden Road. Economical mothers buy "Nazol"—the best family cough and cold remedy. Ready for instant use. Sixty full doses cost oighteenpence. "Nazol" i s cheapest in the end —Advt. Two lads, charged before Mr T. Hutchison S;M. at the Juvenile Court. Greymouth, this morning, with having thrown stones at Blaketown to the danger of a girl, pleaded guilty. Being their 'first offence, both lads having been thrashed by their parents, and the defendants promising not to interfere with any girl in future. . they were severely admonished and discharged. Senior Sergeant Simpson appeared on behalf of the police. Big stock of Flannelettes at old prices, in white and stripes at 7s 6d, 8s 6d, 10s 6d 12s, 14s 6d per dozen. These are cheap in comparison with to-day's prices. At Walker's, Boundary Street. —Advt. In considering an application for financial .assistance by one.of two brothers, called in the ballot for active service, the Canterbury Military Service Board on Saturday last held the opinion that the calling up of one brother would not, as alleged reduce by half the income'of the dairy farm in question. If it was subsequently shown that a loss was incurred through the absence of the soldier brother the Financial Assistance Board will favorably consider a grant, but a grant was not forthcoming at present. There are a couple of men on the West

Coast to-day thanking their lucky stars that they were not launched suddenly into eternity this morning. A motor ear was howling along the Ten Mile road, when a parcel was noticed, but not of sufficient proportions to cause the car to pull up. On its journey it went, passing over the parcel witli a little grinding sound. It was subsequently discovered that a miner homeward bound, had left a parcel of explosives on the road while he gathered another parcel from a friend. It is only a miracle that the friction did not cause an explosion. Calicoes, 36 inches wide, wonderful value, at 7s Gd, 8s 6d 10s 6d, 12s per dozen. Buy now, as prices are still advancing. Walker's, Boundary Street, Greymouth.—Advt. General Sir William Birdwood, writing from the First Anzac Corps, France to a Sydney resident, says: "I am afraid there is still much in front of us before we have finally defeated these Germans, as wo must do Nothing could have been finer than the magnificent work and real good fighting which our boys have put up during the last two months, adding, if anything, to the high reputation they had already made. When the war is over I certainly shall hope to be able to come across to' Australia, and' to meet 'again manv of the reai good friends I have made while wo have been serving to-p-ether on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Egypt, and in France." Ladies' Hose, wonderful value, only Is 3d, Is 6d, Is 9d, and Is lid per pair: also two verv special lines alhwool ladies' hose at 2s lid and 3s 6d per pair, guaranteed. Country customers can have the same attention and goods promptly deli' vered on receipt of postal or money order. Note address: Walker's Boundary St., Greymouth. —Advt. One of the most pathetic incidents of the war as it relates to the West Coast is recorded. One boy who adored his mother, carried her photograph with him, and when the big stunt came at Messines he was recorded "killed in action," A West Coast comrade, searching the ghastly battlefield, found the photo of an unknown lady, with the imprint thereon, "Ring Greymouth." He sent the photo to his' mother, who recognised the lady, and there was a pathetic little incident which no words can describe, when it was restored to her. Truly the war has made us realise that the world is small in comparison, that the long arm of coincidence stretches wide, and that pathos and tragedy are the predominant characteristics of this world-catastrophe. The morning will find you with a clear heau, and a vigour and brightness _aa surprising as it is delightful. These Pills are a tonic and laxative. They cleanse the system and act directly on the liver. Price,' is and 2s. Obtainable everywhere. —Advt. Writing to the Southland Times on the habits of whitebait, Mr E. J. Fleming says: Some time ago at Christchurchi the question was debated as to whether whitebait are young smelts. To settle the matter a resident of Opawa placed a quantity of live whitebait in one of his fishponds, and they eventually grew into smelts, thus deciding the question. Whitebait are hatched in the sea, and after a while they commence swimming (fishermen call it running) up the mouths of rivers and estuaries, gradually grow-

ing larger and stronger the further they go. After reaching adult size, approximately four inches, with well-defined bluish fins down each side, and silvered underneath they gradually work their way down to the sea, out into the deep water. At Greymouth one. can stand on the tiphead at the mouth of the Grey River and frequently see the shoals coming in. I have noticed the same thing at the mouth of the Buller River in Westport, and also seen shoals at Sumner making for the mouths of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers. Beware! "Nazol" is being imitated. Insist on getting the genuine. Nothing is "just as good" as "Nazol" for coughs und colds. 60 doses, 1/6.—Advt. Following is a most interesting extract from a letter written by a Wellington soldier on duty in Flanders Ito his parents : "There was rather an interesting incident here the other day. I have mentioned to you before that wo were located close to a ruined sugar factory. Well, an old Frenchman, aged about 90 came here the other day with his son, a captain in the French army to dig up some papers, etc., he had buried in 1914. He came to us for a digging party, so we got, half a dozen, and the old Frenchman took us down a big cellar and showed vs th» spot. We dug up, a big iron pipe about 4ft by Ift, with dead ends bolted on to it. On opening this he took out three bags of papers and a small bag of gold. The papers were the title-deeds, etc., of this factory and other factories (the old man was the owner), and were worth about '3,000,000 francs! The poor old man was trembling like a leaf while the boys were digging. He said he would have shot himself if the documents had gone. He had been a prisoner in Germany for the last two years. He gave 'SO francs to bo divided among the boys, and went away as happy as Larry. The French seem to have all buried their household goods like that. The poor old fellow sat down and cried when he saw the ruins of his factory which had cost 2,000,000 francs to build.

I The return of the KapiLea dredge for the week was 35 ounces. Work was greatly hampered by floods in the river.

The Military Service Board sat at Reel'ton to-day, and the Military .Medical Board at Murchison.

During the month of September vain fell on 18. days, 13.75 inches being recorded. The heaviest fall was on the 25Ui when 2.60 inches were recorded.

The West Coast quota for the. 35th Reinforcements will mobilise on the 17th, and leave for camp on the morning of the 18th of this month.

Acts like a charm! That's what thousands say of Nazol—the handiest and surest remedy for coughs and colds. 60 doses 1/6. Refuse substitutes.—Advt.

After two postponements on account of adverse -weather conditions, it is hoped the formal opening of the Greymonth Rifle Defence Ciub will take place on the

range on Wednesday next, when the Patron of th Club Mr G. T. Moss, will fire the first shot, signifying the commencement of what promises to be a very successful season.

Orders are now being taken for the special Christmas number of the Auckland Weekly News by A. E. Kilgour; price Is 6d, postage £d. To save disappointment, order without delay, as only a'limited nnmbar will be on sale. —Advt.

Explaining the vote of £SOO for research appearing among the Dominion Laboratory estimates, the Hon. (!. \V. Russell stated that it was being placed at the disposal of the Dominion Analyst. Dr Maclaurin # and similar officers, who had never had a chance of demonstrating what they .could do. He had seen a practical test in the Dominion Laboratory of research carried out in connection with kauri gum that would be worth, in his opinion hundreds of thousands of pounds to New Zealand. When it became public

it would be seen that a discovery had been made of tremendous importance to the whole North of Auckland, where

kauri forests formerly existed. This had been due entirely to the work of Government officers. Half a million sterling would not be too much to spend on scientific research in New Zealand.

You require a Waterproof these clays—you can't possibly do without one, and it is economy to one's clothes. We have them in a big variety—ladies' Hydrotights, GravenettcG, and Oilcoats # with belts or the loose Hanging shape : prices 12s 6d, 17s 6d, 255, 30s to 55s each; also children's Waterproofs at 12 (id 15s 6d, 17s 6d to 27s 6d each. At Walker's, Boundary Street, Greymouth.—Advt.

London is still a city of darkness for the Zeppelin menace is too serious to allow the old brilliance. Yet many people must go out into dark streets, and they are trying all manner of means to make themselves somewhat visible in the darkness (says an English writer). The most effective is the glow-worm hat: it is so called for the soft faint light with which it penetrates the gloom. The women, munition, and other night workers are responsible for it. and find it as much comfort as the soldier finds his luminous wrist watch. The hats are an invention of a progressive millinery house in response to the insistent clamor of the women for some slight means to save them from being run over by cabs and buses and from' colliding witli other foot passengers, They are not unsightly, being of any size and shape suited to or desired by the owner, and gain their illuminating effect from their trimmings, which look quite ordinary in the daylight.

We have a few all-wool Sports Coats, which are very scarce this season; colors Brown, Navy'and Grey, from 25s to 35s each. Also, children's all-wool Kilt Dresses and Kimonas, Jerseys etc. in Navy, Brown, Greys, Green, White, etc. Come in and inspect. Walker's Boundary Street.--Advt.

In a paragraph published a few (lava ago reference was made to ;i, wounded soldier who spent three days in a shell hole before he was rescued. The Otago Daily Times states that a letter received from the wounded man shows that lie belongs to Anderson Bay. and that his name is Private Thomas Dunford. In the course. of his letter Private Dunford who left •with the Nineteenth Reinforcements, says: "Early in the morning of June 23rd I got a, smack from a shell, the result being a compound fracture, of the left thigh. Two of my mates dragged me to a shell hole and stuck to "me for a while, but Fritz's fire was no hot that they bad to leave me, Almost helpless I lay in No Man's Land for two days and three nights, with about a pint of water in my bottle and not n, bite to eat. On the morning of June 25th Frit?; put up a heavv barrage, over the ground where T •was lying and high explosive shells and shrapnel were bursting all round me. T thought mv time bad come, but now I think Providence must have been watching over me. Abort an hour before davforeak about six of our patrols were looking round, and by the slightest chance they noticed the top of mv helmet. Thev* was an officer amongst them. They pot round tbe shell hole and covered me with their rifles thinking I might be a Hun in disguise. After a counln of questions had been asked thev quickly brought a stretcher from our front lino and got me out of it. Fritz caught sigbt of them carrying me away and we'were shelled all the wav to the dressing station—a. distance of about three miles, some parts of the journey being-over vp'v rough country. I am now doing well in a hospital in France, but as soon as T am fit to travel I exnect to cross the Chaimer to 'WM Bligbty."' Edgar M. Phillips, representing Webley Son and Gofton, Ltd., salesman and timer. * All communications addressed ' box 32, or 121 Tainni Street.—Advt